The Race to the Top - Early Learning Challenge grant will help states build comprehensive early childhood systems and improve program quality.
In May 2010, Congress committed $500 million for the Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge grant (RTT-ELC). On October 19, 35 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico submitted applications for grants ranging from $50 to $100 million, based on relative population of low-income young children. These innovative, competitive state-level grants will address the needs of the most vulnerable children through a comprehensive approach— supporting activities to enhance quality in early childhood education programs, align standards, and coordinate disparate elements of early care and education into a more efficient, unified, high-quality system with measurable outcomes. Winners will be announced in December for a grant period that lasts from December 31, 2011 to December 31, 2015.
• Measuring outcomes and progress
Read a summary of the RTT-ELC application requirements.
Learn about the Early Learning Challenge Collaborative, a partnership between FFYF and BUILD to leverage the RTT-ELC to cultivate, support, and sustain successful state systems of early learning.
Visit the U.S. Department of Education's RTT-ELC page.